Edward Tait

Biographical Note

Edward Tait's earliest musical involvement was as a boy chorister. In his teens he studied percussion. He began studying the double bass and became a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada in 1964 where he met Frederick Zimmerman. After Graduating from the Faculty of Music here at UofT, he played in the New Orleans Symphony Orchestra for one year. He joined the National Arts Centre Orchestra as Assistant Principal Bass in 1969. A member of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra since 1971, he was the Assistant Principal Bass for 35 years and has now retired. He plays chamber music, studio recording sessions and teaches. Over the years he has performed with the Orford Quartet, the St.Lawrence String Quartet, Amici, Soundstreams, and countless other groups. Since 2004 he has had the honour to be the doublebass coach of the National Youth Orchestra.